Co morbidity and FBAs

In the video, Dr. Ozonoff discussed considerations for differential diagnosis and co morbidity as well as the difficulties of diagnosing individuals on the ASD spectrum. Some of the assessment challenges mentioned in the presentation includes, the lack of standardized test for measuring ASD and symptom overlap or similarity.  I found the video interesting because it explored the difficulties amongst those in the clinical field. As a behavior therapist, I work with children who have already received a diagnosis.

Although I understand the difficulties involved in assessing individuals with co morbidity diagnoses I don’t think that it would affect the way I’d perform an FBA. An FBA is used to find the functions of particular behaviors, it may be useful for the assessor to be aware of the individual’s co morbidity diagnosis but the main concern of the FBA would be the determining function of their behavior. One aspect of the presentation that I’d find useful while conducting an FBA as well as in other areas of my field is the presenter’s mention of Occam’s Razor’s philosophy; consider the simplest solution before exploring more intricate outcomes.  This philosophy is useful when assessing behavior, creating behavior plans and implementing them.